Have you thought about learning a second language, such as French, for example, because you are planning a trip to Paris and do not want to go out as a typical American tourist who can not talk a little about local jargon? Are you frustrated as to how to proceed? For some reason it is that Lingo ™ Duo or DVD ™ Berlitz application are not in tune with their particular learning style? If that is you, I have found many of those who share their frustration that inspired me to share six tips on how to learn a second language. For the sake of simplicity, we will imagine that you want to learn French; However, it goes without saying that these six tips below are also applicable to the language you want to learn.
# 1. Do not constrained!
According to one of the leading authorities on the acquisition of the second language of the world (L2), Dr. Stephen Krashen, learning L2 is best performed in a low stress environment. Children who learn their mother tongue (L1) are never subjected to stress: Failure to meet deadlines, parents not embarrassing, difficult moments on mistakes. L1 children simply learn effortlessly and at their own pace, without constraint, without periods of time. L2 acquisition, as a child in a stress-free environment is one of the key elements of the "natural approach", a teaching method developed by recognized linguists Tracy Terrell and Stephen Krashen.
The natural approach in a nutshell: Do not force your language learning; Do not fill a long list of new vocabulary words in a compressed time span, as in a timed contest, running for a prize. Buy your L2 into "bite size pieces" at your own pace but be consistent. Knowing a little every day, gradually increasing what you've already learned, is much more effective than a "sit down" once a week session should get-it-done. On the other hand, learn as much as possible in natural environments with specific content that is happy to learn. Above all, to keep it free of stress, do not worry about making mistakes!
# 2. Avoid strict grammatical approach.
According to Dr. Krashen, language acquisition is largely an unconscious process that does not require the extensive use of conscious grammatical rules or tedious exercise. The language is best learned by "osmosis". After all, we learned our mother tongue. Like young children, just we care about the rules of grammar, or give us a list of new words to memorize by heart. Simply that we have learned by immersion in our language and need. We learned to associate words with contextual clues; For example, the mother drew a cat and said, "Look at the cute kitty. The child collects this and learns what a "cat" is. "Contextual learning", learning from everyday experiences - (how children learn their L1) is much more effective than learning by heart.
Obviously, this is easier to achieve when you are surrounded by native speakers. Fortunately, one should not be in the country where L2 is spoken to experience some exposure. For example, one can go to the local French restaurant and order in French, or join a francophone club made up of people fluent in French and expatriates.
Although it is usually very difficult for an adult to learn a foreign language without having to learn a little grammar and memorize the new words by heart, this should not be the only method used. An example: I met a smart, retired lady who wanted to learn to communicate in French for a long stay in the province of France. She struck difficult grammar books - which was her unique approach - and she correctly answered all the exercises; In addition, their ability to read French was impressive. Unfortunately, despite her devoted but "free" French approach that ended up being able to speak French and barely could understand very little even when she spoke very slowly. In short, the goal of the "old school" result almost always that reading and writing just do little or nothing to improve verbal communication.
# 3. Enter the L2
This is much easier now for the convenience of home ownership 30 years ago. Watch movies in English with English subtitles, listen to new French stations such as France 24, take a look at any type of French clips from YouTube, get a friend from French sites like MyLanguageExchange.com or hire a tutor
# 4. Speak in French.
Strange as it may seem, the more you speak French, you learn faster. (After all, you do not always have a French mother tongue to speak with your fingers). Talking about yourself or trying to think in French is a great way to take up a new vocabulary. Returning to the day in the office in French, you will find yourself constantly confronted with new words and idiomatic expressions. For example, instead of thinking in English: Gee, I have to get the spreadsheet completed by tomorrow. Think French, and will be looking for the French word for the spreadsheet, and the trick is played: a new word of vocabulary is added to their ever-expanding repertoire. Remember, if you are always thinking and speaking to yourself in French, when it becomes quite competent - usually when you least expect it - the joy of joys, it is very likely to discover his first dream in French!
# 5. Dedication.
Coherence and dedication are essential. Frankly, you're wasting your time trying to learn a second language without it. Practice and exposure to your target language every day! Adult students who usually are themselves say they are not really time to learn this French week because of work, school or family constraints, and so on. Simply they are not sufficiently devoted and probably sink into stagnation. On the other hand, is a really busy? Too busy with work? Why not listen to the French, or pop in a DVD of learning French during his daily trip to work?
# 6. Have fun with it
Finally, have fun. The overall learning is optimal when one is enjoying the learning process; On the other hand, the ability to learn decreases when learning becomes a chore. These are just a few suggestions: play Trivia Crack ™, use the French language option, learn a joke in French, or watch an awkward comedy in French Le Diner Cons. Seeing yourself ever versed in your chosen L2 is a very rewarding experience! Yes, you come to the plateaus along the way - these frustrating, but temporary in the learning curve hiatus, but do not be put off because, with persistence, you rise above these momentary plateau to reach glorious fluidity.
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